Hitachi was concurrently designing and developing a new generation of equipment.

The proton therapy equipment generates a focused proton beam directed down a straight line to the treatment rooms, where delivery equipment provided focused treatment. Radiation shielding was critical for the safety and health of the adjacent people and the environment.

With the proton therapy equipment level below the adjacent ground water table, waterproofing and construction detailing was critical.

The Solution:

Mark Anderson led the complicated architectural and structural coordination with Hitachi and Mayo physicists.

New building entries, lobbies and waiting areas, exam rooms, and supporting mechanical, storage and delivery areas were developed adjacent to the proton treatment areas for a stand-alone treatment operation.

The new facility is linked with pedestrian and utility tunnels and elevated corridors to the existing Mayo campus.

Eight-foot-thick concrete radiation shielding walls, roof and slab contain the proton particle accelerator, particle beam line and treatment areas to prevent high-energy proton particles from escaping and protect the surrounding environment from short and long term exposure.

Thorough drawings brought in very tight bids for excavation, concrete and waterproofing.

The Result:

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is beginning a next generation of cancer treatment with a pencil-width sized proton therapy beam that can focus treatment to individual spots, vastly decreasing collateral damage to healthy tissue – a major drawback to many other cancer treatments.

An additional benefit of the focused beam is the ability to apply treatment close to critical organs and body elements.

The facility is planned for additional surgical and bed floors over the Proton Therapy building base.